Lorenzo files protest

Middleweight world title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo has filed a protest with the WBA in regards to the actions of WBA judge Stefano Corozza during Lorenzo’s interim middleweight title fight against Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam held on April 2 in Le Cannet, France. During the course of the fifth round, Lorenzo knocked N’Dam N’Jikam through the ropes and onto the ring apron with a right uppercut. Following N’Dam N’Jikam’s fall onto the apron, two people are clearly seen attempting to help him back into the ring, one an unnamed photographer and the second was Corozza. According to WBA rules, a boxer can be disqualified if he is given help to get back to his feet either by a cornerman or third party and referee Hubert Earle was within his rights at this point to declare Lorenzo the winner.

Team Lorenzo also alleges an attempt by N’Dam N’Jikam’s team to illegally wrap his hands, a point which was only noticed by Lorenzo’s trainer, Ray Farrait, despite WBA judge Philippe Verbeke overseeing the proceedings.

Finally, Team Lorenzo questions why despite dropping N’Dam N’Jikam in the fifth round, both Corozza and judge Juan Manuel Perez scored the round 10-9 for Lorenzo as opposed to the standard 10-8 when a knockdown occurs. Lorenzo is insisting that the WBA Championship Committee grant an immediate title rematch against N’Dam N’JIkam.